- Home
- Plan A Trip
- High Desert Museum
High Desert Museum


The High Desert Museum reveals the culture of the West’s High Desert through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history. Otters, porcupines, owls, oh my! This cultural gem that has been inspiring families since 1982 and consistently rates as a top Central Oregon attraction by Trip Advisor. With 135 wooded acres … read more
http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/
Amenities
- Special Events

The High Desert Museum reveals the culture of the West’s High Desert through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history. Otters, porcupines, owls, oh my!
This cultural gem that has been inspiring families since 1982 and consistently rates as a top Central Oregon attraction by Trip Advisor. With 135 wooded acres and more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, it’s a “must see” for anyone traveling through the area.
See raptors, otters, porcupines and reptiles up close. During the summer, experience birds of prey swooping just overhead on the Museum’s grounds during our Raptors of the Desert Sky daily flight program. Stop at the the 1904 High Desert Ranch and Sawmill and engage in a lively conversation with living history characters who believe it’s still 1904! Explore ever-changing exhibits throughout the year. Journey through the history of the Plateau Indians. The Museum weaves together history, culture, art and natural history to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the High Desert.
Enjoy lunch in the Rimrock Café, which serves soups, salads, sandwiches and snacks featuring many locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to stop in Silver Sage Trading stocked with books, educational toys, jewelry, art and more!
The High Desert Museum is a proud recipient of the nation’s highest honor for museum and libraries with the Institute of Museum and Library Services 2021 National Medal. It is awarded to institutions that make exceptional contributions to their communities.
Visit www.highdesertmuseum.org for hours, rates, current exhibits, events and the daily schedule of programs.

High Desert Museum
59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702 Get DirectionsListings Like This
Hiking
The Bend Pledge
Sunriver Resort will make any vacation or day outing unforgettable!...
Activities
Go Play at Sunriver Resort
Back in the day, Bend was a logging town. Today,...
Food and Drink
Bend Ale Trail
Let’s Go Rock Climbing! Chockstone Climbing Guides is an AMGA...
Rock Climbing
Chockstone Climbing Guides
Roots run deep at Oregon Spirit Distillers. Since 2009, they...
Distilleries
Oregon Spirit Distillers
With more than 50 trampoline beds, Trampoline Zone & Adventure...
Indoor Fun
Trampoline Zone & Adventure Park
There's a volcano the size of Rhode Island just south...
Natural Attractions
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Pilot Butte is like Bend’s North Star, you can see...
State and National Parks
Pilot Butte State Park & Viewpoint
Downhill mountain biking, zip lining, scenic lift rides, dining, and...
Mountain Biking
Mt Bachelor Ski Area - Summer Activities
The Twin Bridges Loop is part of the Three Sisters...
Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway
Twin Bridges Loop - Oregon Scenic Bikeway
Nestled alongside the Deschutes River, the Old Mill District is home to...
Malls & Shopping Centers
Old Mill District
Activities
Roundabout Art Route

Visitor Guide
Planning your trip? Start with your award-winning visitor guide, available online or by mail.
Read the GuideGive Us A Call
Want to talk with a real human? We get that. Our visitor center is ready and waiting for your call.
Call : 877.245.8484The Bend Pledge
Join countless visitors before you and take the Pledge to leave Bend better than you found it.
Take the PledgeBend Sustainability Fund
Investing in projects that create sustainable experiences in Bend’s community.
See the Projects